More Power to You!
Activity Source: U.S. Geological Survey
Grade Levels: 7-10
Background
Energy and access to it is the bedrock of the modern world, powering everything from industries and cities to your school and home. Have you ever wondered where the energy that powers your school comes from? Or where Earth’s natural energy materials, such as coal and uranium, originate? In this activity, you will explore an interactive map to identify energy resources, energy infrastructure, and the connections between them.
Materials
- Computer with internet access
Procedure
- Explore the following resources to learn about U.S. Energy Infrastructure and Resources.
- Coal is a readily combustible, carbon-based sedimentary rock that can be used to generate electricity and release heat.
- Uranium is a radioactive element found in igneous and sedimentary rocks and is a common fuel source for nuclear power plants.Turn on layers: “Uranium Production” and “Uranium Resources”.
- Power plants can convert Earth’s natural energy materials, such as coal and uranium, to electricity and energy for our modern world.
Analysis
- Just because a power plant is nearby doesn’t mean it necessarily provides energy to your school. Do you know what type of energy powers your school? If not, reach out to your building facilities team to learn more.
- Zoom out to explore the types of energy used by the U.S. by looking at the “All Power Plants” layer. You may want to look at each sublayer one at a time.
- Where do you find different types of energy in our country?
- What factors do you think influence the distribution of each energy source?
- What infrastructure exists to transport energy?
Further Steps
Explore other energy resources such as natural gas or solar energy. Consider how energy needs for the U.S. might change over the next 10 years. If you were to decide, which types of energy would you want to see used and why?
NGSS Connections
- SEP: Analyzing and Interpreting Data
- DCI: ESS3.A: Natural Resources
- CCC: Patterns